Pad a girl + send her back to school

Title: Pad a Girl and Send Her Back to School Initiative

Background:

In rural Nigeria, the lack of access to sanitary pads or towels poses a significant challenge for girls when they experience their monthly periods. Faced with limited resources and cultural taboos, girls often miss school during menstruation, negatively impacting their educational opportunities and overall well-being. Recognizing this issue, the "Pad a Girl and Send Her Back to School" initiative aims to empower girls by teaching them about menstrual and personal hygiene as well as providing them with sustainable solutions such as reusable pads.

Objective:

The primary objective of the initiative is to break the barriers that hinder girls' access to education due to menstruation. By addressing the lack of sanitary products and educating girls about menstrual hygiene management, the initiative seeks to enable girls to stay in school consistently, ensuring they receive equal opportunities for education and personal development.

Approach:

1. Awareness and Education:

  - Conduct workshops and interactive sessions to educate girls about menstrual hygiene, demystify menstruation, and dispel associated cultural and societal stigmas.

  - Raise awareness among parents, guardians, and community leaders about the importance of supporting girls during menstruation and promoting their right to education.

2. Production of Reusable Menstrual Pads:

  - Train interested girls and women from the community in the production of cost-effective and eco-friendly reusable pads.

  - Source sustainable materials locally to ensure the pads' affordability and availability.

  - Establish local production centers where pads can be made and distributed within the community.

3. Distribution and Accessibility:

  - Provide girls with a monthly supply of reusable pads, ensuring they can manage menstruation hygienically without economic strain or social exclusion.

  - Collaborate with local schools, community centers, and health facilities to establish accessible distribution points for the reusable pads.

  - Sensitize teachers and school staff on how to support and encourage girls to attend school during their periods.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

  - Regularly monitor the impact of the initiative by tracking school attendance rates and dropout rates related to menstrual issues.

  - Conduct surveys and interviews with girls to assess their experiences, measure improvements in menstrual hygiene practices, and gather feedback for necessary adjustments.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Increased school attendance and decreased dropout rates among girls due to menstrual issues.

2. Improved awareness and understanding of menstrual hygiene among girls, parents, and community members.

3. Enhanced self-confidence and empowerment of girls, enabling them to focus on their education without the fear of embarrassment or discomfort.

4. Long-term economic and environmental sustainability through the production and use of reusable pads.

By implementing the Pad a Girl and Send Her Back to School initiative, we aim to ensure that girls in rural Nigeria can manage their periods effectively, confidently, and without hindrance to their education. This initiative not only provides practical solutions but also fosters an environment of support, understanding, and gender equality within the community.